Help...Buying a 1989 Cherokee, but there's noise

[DarkHarvest]

I need some help. I just looked at a 1989 Cherokee Limited, which I'm considering buying. I've never owned a Jeep. It looks to be in great shape, but there's a constant growl coming from the rear of the vehicle when driving. It's not extremely loud, but it's noticeable. I only took a short test drive, so I couldn't really evaluate it. The owner said it's a common Jeep sound. He also said he recently changed the rear diff oil and checked the u-joints. Sounds a bit weird to me. I've owned other 4x4s and never heard this. It doesn't sound like grinding, and it doesn't sound like tire rumble. It definitely sounds like it's coming from the rear when I have the window open. Anyway, is the rear end going to explode shortly after I buy it? The owner's a mechanic and seems to know a lot about vehicles.

I know a limited amout about Cherokees:
It's a 1989 Jeep Cherokee Limited, 4x4, 4.0L, 96k miles.
I don't know what rear end is in it.

Any help would be greaty appreciated.
Thanks.

[XJNick]

Hi, welcome!

I've heard of some newer cherokees with the Dana 44 rear end having this problem... I'm not sure if that relates to older cherokees though.

-Nick